Comic vs comic: John & Martin

MM: You are a major feature on the UK comedy circuit, how long have you been a pro stand up?

JS: I’ve been pro for nearly seven years now. The first couple of years were a bit “beans on toast land.” But things have been good for a wee while now.

MM: You are one of very few comedians who can perform anywhere on a bill; I’ve seen you headline, but also compere. How do you change your performance to suit these different roles?

JS: In the past year I’ve stopped MCing so much because knowing I was coming to the festival I wanted to concentrate on writing material. However, I do still like MCing. I have to admit that when I first started to be employed as an MC I studied a lot of things that you were doing. So thanks for all the ideas I’ve been able to nick. 

MM: I see that you are performing as part of the Free Festival. What attracted you to doing you show there as opposed to another venue?

JS: I really like the idealism behind the Free Festival. It’s a bit old school right on-ness, and that sits well with me. I like the idea anybody can do it and not have to spend thirty eight grand on promoting your shtick. People tried to write it off a bit at first, but it just seems to go from strength to strength. 

MM: I see you as a “proper” stand-up comedian, someone who can perform on the comedy circuit, at the arts festivals; well anywhere they want comedy really! How do you adapt your show for the Fringe?

JS: This is a great question. Cheers mate. One third of this show is some of my favorite stand up. The rest has been put together over the last ten months. Much of it is on subjects I would never dream of chatting about to a Friday or Saturday audience, but so far on the test runs that’s turned out to be some of the best received stuff.

In short, I think you get to know a lot more about me. Which at times tests me and the audience.

MM: As a Scotsman, now living in England, will spending August in Edinburgh feel like coming home?

JS: No way. It’s like spending a month on some kind of arts and crafts Galapagos island. I’ll pop out and see my mum for some of her stovies. That will make me feel at home.

MM: I remember that years ago you performed as John Little John and wore a frock, and make-up. What the fuck was that all about?

JS: Haha. Errr…just a phase I was going through? I really have no idea myself. Blame David Bowie. I always wanted to be the new Bowie before I was a stand-up…but I just haven’t got the cheekbones.

MM: If you could have anyone, living or dead, do a guest spot in your show, who would it be?

JS: David Bowie.

MM: Complete this sentence. Deep down inside, I’m really a frustrated…..

JS: David Bowie.

MM: I see you as an undiscovered comedy talent; would you like to do the whole TV stardom thing?

JS: I realise people think that’s why you work in the arts, but it doesn’t really float my boat. I would maybe like to work alongside some other people again, but I would be happy to be more on the peripheral edge. So what if you’re Ringo - you’re still in the Beatles.

MM: Will you be handing out your own flyers on the Royal Mile?

JS: I will indeed. That’s a rite of passage thing when doing the Fringe. I’ve seen much bigger acts than me doing it and good for them.

MM: What is your favorite place to eat in Edinburgh?

JS: Anywhere that I can get “chippy sauce.” A thing unique to the East Coast.

MM: There is often a comedian’s football match on the meadows during the Fringe. Are you up for a kick about?

JS: I am truly dreadful at football.

MM: If any visitors to Scotland are reading this, what should they avoid in Edinburgh?

JS: Nothing. Go and try a bit of all of it. It might all not be great but that just makes the good things you see even better.